Here's a look at Rutgers' top candidates to earn invites to
an NFL rookie mini-camp next week:

S Jeremy Deering (6-foot-1, 209 pounds): A superior athlete,
Deering doesn't have a clear NFL position. But teams are going to be
attracted to a player who ran a 4.33-second 40-yard dash at Rutgers' pro day.

Deering has visited the Jets and Buccaneers, and the
Patriots reportedly have interest. Deering could make an immediate impact on
special teams, and over time potentially develop at a position on either side of
the ball.

UPDATE: Deering has signed with the Patriots.

OL Antwan Lowery (6-3, 329): Lowery was a first-team
all-conference selection as a junior, but lost his starting job at guard as a
senior. Despite his lack of playing time, Lowery was invited to the
East-West Shrine Game.

Playing in the all-star game seemed to get Lowery moving in
the right direction. He struggled with his weight throughout his college
career, but he dropped 25 pounds during the pre-draft process.

Lowery visited with the Giants, Jets and Dolphins. His size
alone will get him an NFL look. It will be up to Lowery to seize that
opportunity.

UPDATE: Lowery has earned a tryout with the Ravens.

OLB Jamal Merrell (6-4, 230): Merrell is athletic for his
size, running a 4.64-second 40-yard dash at pro day. He was a three-year
starter at outside linebacker, but a fluke kidney injury slowed him last
season.

Merrell, who visited with the Giants and Jets, blocked seven
kicks during his college career. He can contribute on special teams and could
find a role as a linebacker in time.

UPDATE: Merrell has signed with the Tennessee Titans.

DE Marcus Thompson (6-1, 250): A two-year starter at
defensive end, Thompson led the team with 5.5 sacks last season. He turned
heads with an impressive showing at pro day, posting top-three scores in nearly
every physical test.

Thompson should contribute on special teams, and the right
team could find a spot for the explosive athlete to have a bigger role.

UPDATE: Thompson has signed with the Miami Dolphins.

WR Quron Pratt (5-11, 195): Pratt earned team MVP honors
after a solid senior season. He had 32 catches for 516 yards as a possession
receiver, but he showed his breakaway speed with a 4.43-second 40-yard dash at
pro day.

Pratt's special teams skills translate most directly to the
NFL. He had a 99-yard kickoff return touchdown and he will be utilized on
coverage units.

DE Jamil Merrell (6-3, 252): A starter as a junior, Merrell was hampered during his senior season by a foot injury that sidelined him for the first two games. Merrell started only one game and finished with 23 tackles,
three tackles for a loss and two sacks. As a junior, Merrell recorded 40
tackles, 10.5 tackles for a loss and 5.5 interceptions.

Merrell visited the Jets and the Giants. He has some
versatility and has been working on his outside linebacker skills to give him
more options in the NFL.